A World Cup-winning Springbok quintet have been recognised among the standout performers at France 2023.
Selecting a best of the best from those who starred for their country at the tournament, Rugby World’s lineup includes four Kiwis, three Frenchmen, one Irishman, one Welshman and, surprisingly, one Tongan.
Ox Nche, who was called “the most destructive loosehead in the world” after the affable prop’s influential performance in a last-gasp World Cup semi-final victory over England, slots into the front row of the star-studded XV.
“At loosehead is Bomb Squad extraordinaire, Ox Nche. It’s no exaggeration to say that South Africa would not have won without his scrum supremacy against France and England,” Rugby World stated.
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Renowned for his strength and physique, the formidable and physically-imposing Eben Etzebeth packs down in the second row with Franco Mostert after helping the Boks defend their title in Paris.
Arguably the most indispensable Bok player under the current coaching regime and an invaluable member in their back-to-back Webb Ellis Cup triumph, blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit capped off his third World Cup appearance with a Man of the Match performance in the decider.
Cheslin Kolbe, who has suffered several injuries since he sliced through England’s defence to help the Boks succeed in Japan four years ago, produced an incredible conversion charge-down against Les Bleus in a thrilling quarter-final, and the winger featured prominently on attack and defence until the final whistle of the competition.
Rugby World’s Team of the Tournament – 15 Thomas Ramos (France), 14 Will Jordan (New Zealand), 13 Bundee Aki (Ireland), 12 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand), 11 Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), 10 Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand), 9 Antoine Dupont (France), 8 Ardie Savea (New Zealand), 7 Jac Morgan (Wales), 6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), 5 Franco Mostert (South Africa), 4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), 3 Ben Tameifuna (Tonga), 2 Peato Mauvaka (France), 1 Ox Nche (South Africa).
Photo: Yoan Valat/EPA